ADVERTISEMENT

A drugmaker that's taking an unconventional approach to cancer drugs just got a $1.5 billion endorsement

Loxo Oncology is building drugs that act on cancerous genetic mutations rather than the type of cancer a person has.

  • Bayer signed a partnership with cancer drugmaker Loxo Oncology in a deal that could be worth up to $1.5 billion.
  • Loxo is developing treatments that act on cancerous genetic mutations, so that the type of cancer someone has wouldn't matter so much as the genetic information gleaned from sequencing the tumor's DNA.
  • The company is planning to file for FDA approval by the end of 2017 or early 2018.
ADVERTISEMENT

A company that's

The idea with these genetically defined cancer treatments is that the type of cancer someone has doesn't matter so much as the genetic information gleaned from sequencing the tumor.

ADVERTISEMENT

But building a treatment that's specific to a genetic mutation is a new approach to treating cancer. Most companies develop treatments for specific types of cancer, like lung cancer or melanoma, and seek approval just for that one kind of tumor at first, before setting up more trials to see how the drug does in other types of cancer.

In May, the FDA approved a drug based on genetics rather than tissue type for the first time, paving the way for others including Loxo.

Bayer said in a release Tuesday that Loxo's planning to file the drug for approval by the end of 2017 or early 2018.

FOLLOW BUSINESS INSIDER AFRICA

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Recommended articles

10 longest bridges in Africa

10 longest bridges in Africa

India issues free heart surgeries to 150 Ugandan children

India issues free heart surgeries to 150 Ugandan children

Ethiopians voluntarily give back 80% of the money they had illegally taken

Ethiopians voluntarily give back 80% of the money they had illegally taken

Togo revises constitution, extends presidential term and imposes single term limit

Togo revises constitution, extends presidential term and imposes single term limit

Niger’s phone call with President Putin reaffirms military ties despite Western fears

Niger’s phone call with President Putin reaffirms military ties despite Western fears

New G7 diamond tracking system sparks fierce backlash across Africa

New G7 diamond tracking system sparks fierce backlash across Africa

BetZillion - The most authoritative online betting source with bettor only priority

BetZillion - The most authoritative online betting source with bettor only priority

10 African countries with the highest life expectancy according to the World Bank

10 African countries with the highest life expectancy according to the World Bank

Youngest African head of states in 2024 under the age of 50

Youngest African head of states in 2024 under the age of 50

ADVERTISEMENT